Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) has launched a synch licensing division dubbed Big SYNQ and tapped Maria Alonte to lead it as senior vp of synchronization, the company tells Billboard. The new division will oversee all aspects of synch licensing and placement for Big Machine Label Group and its publishing division Big Machine Music, as well as work with HYBE North America, SB Projects and Quality Control Music.
Alonte is based in Los Angeles and reports to Big Machine Music president Mike Molinar and BMLG’s executive vp of label operations Clay Hunnicutt.
Prior to joining BMLG, Alonte was owner/president of music publishing and synch representation company Maria Alonte Music & Media. She also previously held roles including senior vp of music at MNRK (formerly eOne/Hasbro), senior vp of film & TV synchronization at Universal Music Group’s East Coast Labels (Republic, Island, Def Jam and Verve), and senior vp of film & TV at Prescription Songs.
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Also added to the BMLG team is sync coordinator Ariana Vargas, who will work alongside current director of synchronization Nicole Krolicki. The hires are part of HYBE America’s recently announced label-services division, which will provide labels and artists with end-to-end solutions in distribution, marketing and promotion.
“The growth of the team reflects the priority we are placing on sync and other offerings like creative original catalog,” Molinar said in a statement. “We are excited to aggressively grow the representation for Big Machine Music, Big Machine Label Group and our affiliated companies and offer bespoke music created by our writers and artists.”
“I am honored and thrilled to join Scott Borchetta, Mike Molinar and Clay Hunnicutt and everyone at HYBE, Big Machine and Quality Control in launching BIG SYNQ,” Alonte added. “There are endless creative possibilities ahead with these powerhouse rosters. Plus, the opportunity to work with such a dynamic and talented team is incredibly exciting!”